Quiz: Howstuffworks

Can You Pass a Firefighter Exam?

Brian Whitney

Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

A lot of times when you take a test to see if you qualify for a job, the process can be kind of irritating. I mean, come on, all you want is some lousy job, and you have to pass a test first? Well, being a firefighter isn't one of those things. If your house is on fire and your loved ones are inside, wouldn't you want to have some firemen showing up that have passed a test? I know I would. Being a firefighter is a challenging and important job.

I know you have what it takes to be a firefighter. Of course, we all know that one has to be brave, heroic, calm under pressure, and willing to put your life on the line at a moment's notice to save others to be a firefighter, but there is way more to it than that. You also have to know a lot about emergency medical procedures; you have to understand the basics of fire science, and also you need to be able to make the right decisions in all sorts of different scenarios. Do you think you could pass the Firefighter exam? Take this quiz to find out. And whatever you do, make sure that you save the animals first.

How wet does wood have to be to make it difficult to catch on fire?

How would I know?

It doesn't matter.

8 percent.

15 percent.

What type of fuels are combustible metals?

Really hot ones.

Class X.

Class B.

Class D.

Do you like adventure?

Well. No.

I think I do.

Sure, I like the adrenaline to get pumping.

I live for it.

Do you think you would be good at doing fire inspections?

Sure, sign me up!

I don't know, that sounds pretty serious.

I think I would.

I know I would.

Do you have a lot of integrity?

Who wants to know?

Sure. I mean. Yeah.

I try.

100 percent.

Would you like to drive a fire truck?

Yeah! Woo!

It sounds fun, sure.

Yeah, why not?

If I was properly trained, yes.

Are you in good shape?

Define "good."

No, I really am not.

I sure am.

I am in excellent shape.

How often should people check the batteries in their smoke detector?

When it starts going "Beep, Beep" all the time.

Every few years.

Once a year.

Twice a year.

Are you good at communicating with others?

No, I hate doing that.

I do if I have to.

I think I am.

Yes, I take pride in that.

Do you think fast on your feet?

About what?

Give me a minute...

I like to think so.

Totally.

If there is a fire in a highrise where might people go?

They may hide in closets.

They may go near windows.

They may go near the stairs.

They should be in an area of refuge.

Are you dedicated to being a firefighter?

What? No!

I think I could be.

Sure I am.

Yes, it is all I want to do.

Are you able to change plans if conditions change?

I am not the best at that.

I would do my best.

Sure I would.

Yes, that is very important.

Are you a team player?

It depends what is in it for me.

I try.

Sure I am.

All the way.

How long does it take you to get ready for work?

It takes me about an hour.

It takes me about 45 minutes.

It takes me about 20 minutes.

I can jump out of bed and go.

Do you have a good mechanical aptitude?

No, I am awful at that stuff.

I am about average.

I can figure that kind of thing out usually.

Yes, I am the best at that kind of thing.

During an emergency, what is the maximum number of people someone should supervise?

25 people.

15 people.

5 people.

7 people.

Who is responsible for firefighters' safety on the job?

The firefighters.

The fire chief.

The company officer.

The incident commander.

Can you handle long shifts?

I would rather not.

If I have to.

Sure I can.

Those are a breeze.

Would you save a kitten up a tree?

As part of my job? No way.

I am not going to risk my life for that.

Of course.

I would love to.

How much would it mean to you to save a life?

It would be cool.

It would be awesome.

It would be amazing.

It would be the most amazing thing ever.

Can you imagine being in a burning building?

Yes, and it is terrifying.

Yes, and I don't like it.

Yes, it sounds wild.

Yes, and it is scary but I would do it because it is important work.

Are you prone to panic?

Now that you mention it, I feel a little freaked out right now.

Everyone is.

I would like to think I am not.

Not even a little bit.

Are you close to your coworkers?

I can't stand them.

Not particularly.

Some of them.

Sure, we are like siblings.

What do you think of overtime?

I don't want it.

I would take it if I had to.

I would do it sometimes.

Give me it!

Do you look good in uniform?

Nope.

I have never been in one.

Well, yes.

I look amazing.

Does it sound like fun to hold the hose?

No, it sounds like a lot of work.

Why would that be fun?

It seems like it would be.

It sounds like so much fun!

How much weight could you carry on your back for an hour?

I could carry around 10 pounds.

I could carry around 25 pounds.

I could carry around 50 pounds.

I could carry around 75 or over pounds.

Would you get bothered by false alarms?

Of course.

Maybe a little.

Well, it is better than there being a real fire.

No, it's part of the job.

Do you want to grow a beard?

I have one now and I am not shaving it.

I have one, but I would shave it.

I might want to.

No way.

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